If we believe God is alive, well, and working in our world…how do we discern the Spirit’s invitation for our lives?

A conversation with Father Taylor Albright from Trinity Church Tariffville.

 

We often pray for God to heal ourselves or those we love. How are we to think about healing and God’s power to heal when we do not experience the kind of healing we long for?

Father Taylor Albright from Trinity Church Tariffville and I talk about healing and living in a way that sees all of life as a gift.

 

Asking the question, “Where is God?”

Can we find God in the midst of the difficult seasons of our lives?

A conversation with my friend Father Taylor Albright from Trinity Church Tariffville.

 

 

 

Today I had the opportunity to share lunch with a great group of pastors in the Kennett Square Community.

Over lunch, we shared about the past few years and lessons learned while traveling in a most unique season.

Some takeaways:

• Life has not been easy, people (ourselves included) are still struggling to understand what was, and what will be.

• In the midst of chaos, God has been gracious and we have witnessed amazing growth in people (ourselves included).

• While unsure of exactly what the future holds, we are excited for the opportunity to be a part of what the Spirit is doing.

• We have all found strength in the midst of weakness.

Earlier this week Father Richard Rohr shared a meditation that spoke of A Spirituality of Imperfection, Strength in Weakness. His words rang very true and spoke to my experience over the past six years. In the midst of weakness, the Spirit has been strong and I have seen amazing things.

The blessings I have received over the past six years have been there because, not in spite, of my weakness. It feels as if the weaker I become, the stronger the Spirit moves.

In truth, what is happening is I am getting myself out of the way and allowing the Spirit to work freely.

Where I once sought to be in control and portray a sense of strength and power that facade has been removed. Less of me, more of the Spirit.

As the Apostle Paul says, “It is when I am weak that I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

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On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, I host a small group that meets via ZOOM – Tuesday Night Reflections.

After a time of gathering I present a brief meditation followed by a time of discussion and sharing.

If you want to join in send me a msg and I will get you the ZOOM link.

This past Tuesday I shared about finding strength in weakness.

These are my people. They speak my language, feel my pain and we share a common love and struggle.

I had plans for a very productive day but came across this gem that made me stop everything and share.

These people speak my language.

While living in Malden, MA there was a Dunkin Donuts (DD, Dunkin) every couple of miles. I had my favorites and they were regular stops throughout the day.

I worked in a warehouse during my time at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Our team made frequent runs to the DD across the street. I shudder to think how much of my hourly wages were drank away in “large black coffee.”

When we moved to Cortland, NY it was a different story. The nearest DD was in the next town. That meant a twenty-minute drive to DD and a twenty-minute drive back. Culture shock.

My eight years in Springfield, MA was pure joy. When I left the church parking lot there was a DD within half a mile in any direction. Pure joy.

I can feel these people’s pain…they are my people.

Thinking about the people of Stow, MA during this difficult time. @wbznewsradio pic.twitter.com/GitjzgoxHQ

— Matt Shearer (@MattWBZ) September 12, 2022

Fighting with a caulk gun had me thinking about how I respond to areas of struggle or shortcomings.

Each time I stepped into the shower reminded me that I was putting off essential home maintenance. The caulk around the shower was old and needed to be replaced. There were a few places I could peel it away with my fingers. This project was past due.

MY DILEMMA

A caulk gun terrifies me. It is one of the things I have failed to master. Drawing a clean, smooth, even caulk line is just beyond my skill set.

When I build the courage to break my caulk gun out, I always grab a roll of paper towels to go along with it.

At one point, I thought my issue had to be that I did not have the right tools. I have purchased multiple caulk guns ranging from simple to complex. Do you want to help me part ways with some of my money? Show me some new gadget designed to help draw a smooth bead of caulk. My shop boasts multiple tools guaranteed to leave your caulk lines neat and even. Unfortunately, I cannot make any of them work. [Read more…]